Many outdoor activities are available at Lake Annecy for families, friends and solo travelers, as well as in Annecy itself, often known as the Venice of the Alps.
To give you a few options, here is a list of the best outdoor activities to do in Annecy and in the lake.
In a hurry? Here are my best recommendations in a nutshell:
- Water sports: Sailing / Scuba-diving
- Must do: Visiting the historical city center of Annecy
- For the adrenaline lovers: Canyoning / Stunt flying
Water sports on Lake Annecy
Stand up paddle
There is nothing better than stand up paddle to enjoy the tranquility of Annecy Lake,
You will be equipped with life jackets and/or wetsuits depending on the water temperature, and you even have the possibility to choose the type of board that suits you best among four available: All Round (very stable), Touring (for a long use), Racing (the fastest), Fishing (the most stable).
After all that, you just have to let your paddle slide on the lake and raise your head to admire the breathtaking view of the lake, the mountains and the city of Annecy.
😍 We like: the different types of boards and their particularities
💰 Price: starting at €15 per person per hour
Stand up paddle booking information (site in French)
Wake Arena
45 Av. du Petit Port, 74940 Annecy
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If you are looking for more intense sliding sensations, I recommend Wake Arena which offers several services:
- Wakesurf: on a surfboard, you will slide on the waves made by the motorboat in front of you.
- Wakeboard: on a board, you will be pulled by a boat or a jetski, which gives you the opportunity to do figures on the water.
- Wakefoil: with the strength of your legs, you will propel a surfboard above the water thanks to a foil, a sort of metallic foot which allows the board to remain on the surface.
You also have the possibility to rent paddle boards and kayaks for a more relaxed activity, yet one just as pleasant.
😍 We like: the originality of the water sports available
💰 Price: €45 per adult for 1 session (15 minutes) of wakesurf/wakeboard/wakefoil
Wake Arena booking information (site in French)
Renting a boat (with or without a boating license)
Le Port, Promenade Philibert d’Orlye, 74290 Menthon-Saint-Bernard
With or without a boating license, Le Bounty offers a range of boats for rent which are suitable for everyone to enjoy a quiet getaway on Lake Annecy.
If you don’t have a license, five-meter long Marinello boats are available and are especially popular with families due to their small size and height above the water. These boats can accommodate up to 6 people on board.
If you have a license, the offer is more diverse. You can rent different types of larger, faster and more maneuverable boats (Marinello, Sea Ray SPX 210…).
Finally, pedal boats are available to entertain both children and parents for a more athletic excursion.
Please note that it is not possible to make reservations for the rental of boats without a license and for the pedal boats.
😍 We like: the multiple offers for the boats
💰 Price: starting at €35 for 30 min for a boat without a license / starting at €90 for one hour for a boat with a license / starting at €12 for 30 min for a pedal boat
Sailing
Parking des roseaux, 457 Rte de la Vieille Église, 74410 Saint-Jorioz
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Lake Annecy is also ideal for more traditional water sports. The establishment the Internautique offers many classic sailing sports, such as:
- Windsurfing
- Optimist
- Catamaran
- Dinghy (monohull sailing boat)
You have the possibility to rent boats by the hour or to take private lessons. The club also organizes sailing courses if you are here for longer.
😍 We like: being able to rent boats by the hour or choose private lessons
💰 Price: €50 for 1 hour of catamaran / €40 for one hour of dinghy / €55 for a one-hour class on an optimist
The Internautique booking information (site in French)
Scuba-diving
6 rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy
After surfing sports, come and discover the secrets of the depths of Lake Annecy.
Annecy Plongée Nautisme offers different diving packages as well as diving courses with a certification. You can have your first dive or explore the depths of the lake.
The most exceptional dive is the one in which you will have the opportunity to discover the wreck of the boat France which sank to the bottom of the lake in 1971.
Please note that some dives, including the wreck exploration, are difficult and require experience as well as a medical certificate.
😍 We like: the exceptional dive to discover the wreck of the France
💰 Price: €70 for a first dive (2h) / €45 to explore the wreck (3h)
Scuba-diving booking information (site in French)
Enjoy the beaches of the lake
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There are many beaches along the shores of Lake Annecy and they are ideal for a relaxing moment by the water.
Here are some of the beaches that border the lake: the Angon beach and the Doussard beach where the view is particularly beautiful as well as the Albigny beach, La Brune beach, etc.
All you have to do is bring your towels and a good picnic for a pleasant moment on the edge of the most beautiful lake in France.
😍 We like: the large number of beaches around the lake
Other activities in Annecy and its vicinity
Visiting the historical city center of Annecy
Annecy’s city center is a must-see, and there are several options for exploring it. You can wander through the narrow streets of the town on your own and discover the charming traditional houses, the most famous monuments and the canal where the Thiou river flows.
You can also hire a guide for a private tour of the city center which will tell anecdotes and historical details. Here are a few guided tours offers:
- Private walking tour of the historic center (150 € for 2 hours)
- Annecy tourist highlights, private tour with a local (108 €, about 4h)
- Private walking tour with an official guide (186 €, 2h)
😍 We like: the charming old town
Canyoning
Meeting point: Angon parking lot in Talloires
The area around Annecy is particularly suited to canyoning, a discipline that combines climbing, hiking and white water sports.
The Angon canyon is located south-east of Annecy and flows directly into the lake. It is the ideal place to enjoy the thrill of canyoning.
The activity takes place as follows: after a rappelling descent, you will cross waterfalls, natural slides and jumps, at the rhythm of the group according to its level.
The level of this activity is indicated as average and the descent lasts a certain amount of time (about 3h30). It is essential to be in good physical shape and to be able to swim.
😍 We like: the amazing natural scenery
💰 Price: €64 per person for around 4 hours
Canyoning booking information (site in French)
Via Ferrata
The via ferrata is the ideal activity to get to the top of mountains and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Alps.
Halfway between hiking and climbing, via ferrata will satisfy your desire for adventure and adrenaline with crossing numerous obstacles such as ladders, footbridges, monkey bridges and even ziplines.
Of course, you are always secured by cables and guided by an experienced instructor.
Monté Médio offers interesting and diverse lessons for all levels, sometimes combining via ferrata with other activities such as canyoning or paragliding.
😍 We like: the ziplines that make us fly over Annecy and the lake
💰 Price: starting at €66 per person for the pack La Via-Tyo (via ferrata and ziplines) of around 3h30
Via ferrata booking information
Hiking in the mountains around Lake Annecy
The Alps have, above all, a multitude of hiking trails accessible to all, free of charge. Annecy and its lake offer incredible landscapes to discover on foot, at your own pace.
Several lookout points overlook the lake and offer breathtaking views to those brave enough to climb them, such as La Forclaz and its lookout point located next to the paragliding take-off area.
Other hikes are easily accessible such as the Pont des Fées walk, the Roc de Chère nature reserve or the Angon waterfall.
😍 We like: the lookout points and their amazing view
Have walk in the National Nature Reserve of the End of Annecy Lake
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At the southern end of the lake is the National Nature Reserve of the End of Lake Annecy. It is a protected area with free access as long as you respect the few rules set out at the entrance.
The walk is along a pathway that has been laid out and signposted with fun and instructive information panels on the fauna and flora of this marshy area. This is the ideal walk for a family outing lasting about an hour and a half.
The location offers a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains, and the atmosphere is very calm, away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and water sports.
😍 We like: the calm and pleasant pathway
Paragliding
Come and discover the beauty of Annecy and its lake from the sky!
The mountains are often the favorite playground for paragliding enthusiasts, because they offer numerous take-off and landing areas, and because the views are breathtaking.
You can choose the duration of your flight, from 10-15 minutes to a full two hours, accompanied by professional and experienced paragliders who will give you the experience of a lifetime.
😍 We like: the exceptional view on Annecy and the lake
💰 Price: starting at €90 for a discovery flight of 10 to 15 minutes
Paragliding booking information (site in French)
Stunt flying
8 Rte de Côte Merle, 74370 Epagny Metz-Tessy
If you’re looking to push your limits, this stunt flying initiation is for you.
Take your place alongside experienced pilots in a two-seater aircraft specially designed for stunt flying. Loopings, rolls, climbs and falls, freestyle aerobatics, all these acrobatic figures will give you a good dose of adrenaline, all in an exceptional setting above the Annecy region.
Several options are available and the flight lasts between 12 and 15 minutes depending on the option. The difference between the options lies in the intensity and number of performed tricks and the effect these have on the body.
😍 We like: the “Extreme” formula to discover Freestyle aerobatics worthy of real air shows
💰 Price: starting at €429 per person for the Basic package
Stunt flying booking information (site in French)
Electric mountain bike tour
Electric mountain bikes are the ideal way to enjoy an ecological ride in the middle of nature without getting tired.
Discover the trails of the Alps and the incredible views of Lake Annecy thanks to electric mountain bikes that adapt to all terrains to take you effortlessly to the most beautiful places.
The ride is accessible to all and does not have any particular difficulty, making it an ideal family activity.
😍 We like: the guide will also talk to you about the wildlife of the mountains
💰 Price: starting at €160 per person for a three-hour tour
Electric mountain bike tour booking information (site in French)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
